Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider Nation mourns Hall of Famer Ralph Massey
7/15/2021 4:01:00 PM | General
Celebration of Life set for Friday
Blue Raider Nation is mourning Ralph Edwin Massey Jr., 85, of Franklin, who died Monday.
Massey was born in Nashville on July 13, 1935 to Ralph Edwin Massey Sr. and Margaret Blanks Massey.
He attended Central High School in Murfreesboro. Massey was an all-midstate high school football player and from there he was an All-American college football player on the 1957-1958 football team at Middle Tennessee State College.
Rather than pursuing several offers to play pro football, Massey decided instead to serve his country. He served at Bergstrom Air Force Base in the Army in Austin, Texas and then in Thule, Greenland.
After his time in the service, Massey worked in research and development and IT for Genesco and was awarded for his developments in laser cutting fabric technology.
Massey also had a fulfilling career with THDA as executive assistant director for the state of Tennessee.
During his retirement, Massey was elected in 2018 to the MTSU Hall of Fame, an honor that he cherished.
Massey was a devoted husband to his beloved sweetheart, Nancy Ann, and a devoted father and grandfather to his entire family. He led by example and was dearly loved by all for his friendship and Christian spirit.
Massey is survived by his wife, Nancy Woodfin Massey; his children Susan Massey McClendon, Andrew Edwin Massey and Allsion Massey Parker; and grandchildren Julian Yas, Lauren Martin, Lindy Parker, Carter Massey and Cary Ashlin Massey.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, located at 120 Aldersgate Way in Franklin, Tennessee, on Friday, July 16, from 1-3 p.m. followed by a service from 3-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
Massey was born in Nashville on July 13, 1935 to Ralph Edwin Massey Sr. and Margaret Blanks Massey.
He attended Central High School in Murfreesboro. Massey was an all-midstate high school football player and from there he was an All-American college football player on the 1957-1958 football team at Middle Tennessee State College.
Rather than pursuing several offers to play pro football, Massey decided instead to serve his country. He served at Bergstrom Air Force Base in the Army in Austin, Texas and then in Thule, Greenland.
After his time in the service, Massey worked in research and development and IT for Genesco and was awarded for his developments in laser cutting fabric technology.
Massey also had a fulfilling career with THDA as executive assistant director for the state of Tennessee.
During his retirement, Massey was elected in 2018 to the MTSU Hall of Fame, an honor that he cherished.
Massey was a devoted husband to his beloved sweetheart, Nancy Ann, and a devoted father and grandfather to his entire family. He led by example and was dearly loved by all for his friendship and Christian spirit.
Massey is survived by his wife, Nancy Woodfin Massey; his children Susan Massey McClendon, Andrew Edwin Massey and Allsion Massey Parker; and grandchildren Julian Yas, Lauren Martin, Lindy Parker, Carter Massey and Cary Ashlin Massey.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, located at 120 Aldersgate Way in Franklin, Tennessee, on Friday, July 16, from 1-3 p.m. followed by a service from 3-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
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